Bagby, holder of the Robert and Louise Rogers Chair of Entrepreneurship in the Hankamer School of Business, was honored for his extensive contribution to the entrepreneurship field and teaching over the past 30 years.

Kendall Artz, Ph.D., chair of the management and entrepreneurship department and director of the Baylor entrepreneurship program in the Hankamer School of Business, nominated Bagby for the award because of his "huge lifetime impact on the entrepreneurship field in research, mentorship and teaching over the course of his career."

"There was no one more deserving than Ray. He is such a humble man and a quality person," Artz said. "Ray is a role model for all of our younger scholars. From Ray, they are able to learn a great deal not only about entrepreneurship but about how to carry themselves in life."

Bagby, who said he is used to presenting awards, not receiving them, was stunned and honored by award.

"It was little overwhelming because it was a surprise, but it was quite an honor to be recognized, particularly, the outpouring that came along with the award," Bagby said.

The award is not given each year only when there is a deserving candidate. Artz said the award and has only been only awarded 15 times in the past 24 years.

One of Bagby's most notable accomplishments that contributed to his award selection is his work as executive editor of Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice for more than 25 more years, which Artz describes as "one of the top journals in entrepreneurship."

In addition to his work on the journal, Bagby has a legacy of great teaching. Bagby has taught students ranging from undergraduates to graduates to executives. His reputation as an entrepreneurship educator led to him to teach internationally for four years in the MBA program at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand.

Bagby joined Baylor in 1988 and previously served as the director of the John F. Baugh Center for entrepreneurship in the Hankamer School of Business. In 2005, he was named a Wilford White Fellow of the International Council of Small Business. He also served as president of United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship and was elected as a Justin Longenecker Fellow of USASBE.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT HANKAMER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business provides a rigorous academic experience, consisting of classroom and hands-on learning, guided by Christian commitment and a global perspective. Recognized nationally for several programs, including Entrepreneurship and Accounting, the school offers 24 undergraduate and 13 graduate areas of study. Visit www.baylor.edu/business and follow on Twitter at twitter.com/Baylor_Business.